Meet Agija, a mom of three adorable kiddos! Cloth diapering entered their lives when the youngest one turned 5.5 months, and surprisingly, it quickly became their absolute favourite. Are you ready to delve into Agija's cloth diapering journey? From a mom who never thought about using cloth diapers, she's transformed into a hard-core 24/7 cloth diapering enthusiast. She's here to share her experiences, help others navigate through the cloth diapering world, and eagerly experiment with various brands, cover types, and inserts. Join her in this adventure of sharing insights, tips, and the joy of cloth diapering!
Why did you start using cloth diapers?
"Well, like many, I had heard about this option, but I hadn't really delved into it. There weren't many people around me with experience in using them, and it seemed to be associated with eco-conscious moms and a different lifestyle. Although somewhere deep in my mind, eco-Agija, understanding the environmental impact, made a gentle whisper, "convenience" had their sway. Henrijs, my third child, brought about some shifts in my perception of what's good and necessary for a baby, even during pregnancy.
I wasn't keen on purchasing flashy plastic items with bright lights and loud sounds. It felt like I was gradually embracing a more 'eco' perspective in the eyes of others. Perhaps that's why transitioning to cloth diapers felt so natural. However, in the first five months, Henrijs was your typical modern single-use diaper-wearing baby. Then came a turning point - every morning around 6 or 7, Henrijs diligently performed his "morning routine", which always concluded with everything needing a wash – the baby, the clothes, the bedding, or anything the baby happened to be on at that moment. If he kicked his legs in the stroller, he had to be swiftly extracted to keep it clean. The thought that crossed my mind was: "Oh dear, now I'll have to buy and search for new diapers." The ones with some level of containment for those messy situations cost 45-50 cents each, and no, I didn't want to throw away 120 euros a month in the trash. The idea of cloth diapers was introduced to me by a friend who partially used them, and she "sold" me on the concept. She shared the basics, and upon her recommendation, I decided to grab a few used ones from Andele [a second-hand market platform in Latvia]."
Can you share a memorable moment that solidified your choice of cloth diapers?
Perhaps I was fortunate with my initial diaper choice or having a friend's guidance played a part. When I purchased my first set, I realized that during pregnancy, I had unintentionally bought night boosters, using them as burp cloths – considering it a positive sign. The first batch included six all-in-one diapers; I could sense their prior use, but the cost was low, and they served their purpose well. On the first day by the evening, I concluded they were more than okay. No need to change as frequently as disposable diapers, and even though I wasn't initially equipped for nighttime use, I decided to add the existing booster at home. Crisis averted, especially in the mornings. While I can't recall whether I changed diapers at night or if they endured till morning, waking up to a diaper containing all the mess while clothes and bedding remained clean made me realize – this works!
How have cloth diapers improved your baby's comfort and well-being?
"I can't speak for Henrijs, but it seems he has no objections. In terms of comfort, our family doctor also supports the choice of cloth diapers because they don't bunch up, creating a heavy mass between the legs, making them more comfortable for movement. We have also not encountered any allergic reactions or nappy rash, which has occasionally occurred with disposable diapers for each of my children."
In what ways have cloth diapers proven to be a convenient choice for your family's lifestyle?
"In daily life, I don't feel any significant differences, except that there's no need to deal with discount hunting or the quest for the right brand of disposable diapers. The most significant impact has been on our outdoor adventures - embracing the nomadic life. When living a week or two in nature, we don't have to worry about carrying an extra stockpile of diapers (which would later occupy large trash bags for the week and wait to be thrown away when we leave), or think about where to buy and who will go fetch diapers in the nearest small town, and whether there will be anything sensible there. However, life on the bus required some additional investment - we needed thin single-layer inserts to dry faster, as hands can't squeeze out as much water as a washing machine can."
How do you establish your "cloth diaper routine," and what advice can you share regarding it?
"I've become so accustomed to it; it's become a part of my daily routine, much like mopping the floor or doing the dishes. I use, rinse, gather in a laundry basket dedicated to cloth diapers, then follow the washing machine's rinsing cycle with a water (NOT fabric) softener (as we have very hard water), the regular daily washing cycle, hang them up, let them dry, fold, and store. I've learned the proper way to wash clothes, directly influenced by cloth diaper usage. When the inserts became less absorbent at one point and didn't want to soak up anymore, I had to resort to deep cleaning them and understand why it happened. I started using the right amount of detergent for water hardness, remembered to run the washing machine cleaning cycle more often, and both my clothes and the washing machine are thankful for it, and the inserts are no longer "offended." "
Let's dive into the most burning questions about cloth diapers that have been buzzing on Google:
Are cloth diapers a good idea?
"In my opinion, they're fantastic! They're eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and friendly to your little one's bum."
How many cloth diapers does a baby need a day?
"Just about the same quantity as disposable diapers—on average, 6-10 a day should do the trick."
How do cloth diapers work?
"While cloth diapers come in various styles, the basic principle is the same - an outer, laminated layer that keeps moisture in, absorbent inserts (their absorbency depends on the material, layer quantity, and the number of inserts), and an inner layer that lets the moisture pass through, ensuring your little one's bum stays comfy."
Are cloth diapers hard to clean?
"Not at all! Rinse, wash, dry—simple as that. No rocket science involved."
Do cloth diapers keep baby dry?
"Yes, the top layer of cloth diapers is designed to let liquids pass through to the insert while keeping the outer layer dry. Though they might not be as bone-dry as disposables (thanks to that super-absorbent gel), it does help babies become more aware of the wetness, promoting an earlier understanding of the changing process. Cloth diapers - the superheroes of baby bums!"
Finally, what would you say to someone who can't decide whether to give cloth diapers a shot or not?
"Cloth diapers are not just a way to embrace a more eco-friendly approach to parenting, but they're also kinder to your baby's bottom and overall well-being. When used correctly, they're just as effective as traditional disposable diapers and can even add a touch of style! You don't have to completely ditch disposable diapers; it's not an all-or-nothing situation. Whether you use them at home, during the day, or go full 30/50/80%, there are gains to be made. Feel free to reach out to those who've already embarked on the cloth diaper journey - we're more than happy to share our experiences and tips!"
